"Excellent service but a cold and clinical environment"

I have been attending the RTN now for some time as a service user. During this time the staff have been absolutely incredible and I have been very lucky to be under the care of the doctor and other staff members including throughout group therapy. 

I have been provided with comprehensive therapeutic support on a level that I have never experienced before. I have been given a bespoke treatment plan to deal with my various trauma based mental health conditions. This therapy is ongoing for myself at present and I feel very positive about the outcome. The doctor has been unbelievable - understanding, patient, compassionate and she never gives up on me. 

I feel very grateful to be a service user at the Regional Trauma Network and I hope that it continues to expand as it is an essential part of the response to mental health and trauma in this country. 

Whilst the service provided to me as a patient at the RTN has been exceptional, I feel that the environment could be much improved to be more welcoming to service users. I am aware that the people attending the RTN have often suffered severe trauma, including myself. PTSD, especially complex PTSD, requires a more nuanced and tailored approach than a more generalised health setting. It is imperative to have a calming, welcoming environment that feels like a comforting and safe space. Whilst the therapists there do provide this in therapeutic support - the environment itself feels clinical and cold. 

I think that the Trust could greatly improve in making these spaces more trauma informed, welcoming and accessible. Many folks with PTSD can find certain environments overwhelming and over stimulating. Having things such as softer lighting, softer furnishings and chairs, small but comforting things such as a rug or some nice images on the walls would go a long way to make the environment seem less clinical and more trauma informed. I think also allowing the walls to be painted in some gentle but inviting colours would make it seem less medical. Perhaps even a few plants. I believe that these things should not have to be provided by staff but by the trust. 

Grounding is a very important part of trauma therapy and your environment is essential to this. In order to do this very difficult work you need to feel relaxed and comfortable. Furthermore, many persons who use this service have had bad experiences in medical settings prior to attendance. By making the environment more relaxing it helps people to feel comfortable and get the most out of their session. 

Furthermore, there is currently no waiting room facility and I feel this is essential to provide privacy and a sense of a safety for someone attending the clinic. It would be brilliant to have this and for it to again be a comforting and welcoming space. Perhaps some nice artwork, soft lighting or even something made by service users to make someone feel comfortable and at home. Something as simple even as a water machine to allow someone to have a drink if they are nervous before attending their appointment. 

I also believe that it would be great to have a more inviting space outside. A clear sign would be brilliant along with perhaps some flowers or a small garden space. Even small things like having the paintwork around the door cleaned to remove cobwebs etc. 

I think that having the space more accommodating and less clinical is essential not only to service users but also staff. Staff working within this setting all day and providing the high level of care that they do deserve improved surroundings. Trauma informed spaces should be essential not only for the patient but the staff in order for them to provide the excellent service that they do. 

I strongly believe that an improved environment would really compliment the amazing therapeutic service that is provided here. Having this informed by service users such as myself is important and I really hope that these recommendations can be seriously considered. I believe this would really improve the experience for both staff and patients and not at a great deal of cost.

Thank you for your time.